Why You Should Attend

See tomorrow's menus today. The NRA Show is where foodservice trends move from concept to commercialization. The 2026 edition spotlights five dominant industry shifts that will reshape how operators build menus, staff kitchens, and drive revenue:

• AI and automation proving real ROI — From next-gen POS systems to drive-thru voice ordering and robots working the line, the show floor is packed with technology that has moved past the pilot stage into measurable returns.
• High-protein everything — Consumer demand for protein has expanded beyond entrees into drinks, desserts, and ice cream. Exhibitors are launching products that let operators capitalize on this macro trend without overhauling their kitchens.
• Limited-time offers as a revenue strategy — LTOs are no longer just novelty plays. Monday's Featured Session with Technomic and executives from Whataburger, Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises, and Applebee's digs into the data behind LTO profitability.
• Plant-based and alternative proteins maturing into mainstream — The category has evolved past early-adopter menus and into scalable, margin-friendly applications for chains and independents alike.
• Catering as a growth channel — B2B and workplace catering is driving average unit volumes at brands like Bojangles, McAlister's, and Cracker Barrel. Sunday's Restaurant Catering Workshop delivers a tactical playbook.

Build relationships that close deals. Between curated Show Floor Tours, Sunday night Dinner Experiences, the Monday After Party at House of Blues, and the new Match Point Market networking zone (complete with pickleball courts), the 2026 show creates more structured connection points than any previous edition.

Get operator-led education without the fluff. The Expo + Education upgrade unlocks 30+ sessions taught by operators who have already solved the problems you are facing — from turning social followers into paying guests to adding $60K+ in menu profit using three field-tested techniques.

Who Should Attend

The NRA Show serves a broad cross-section of the foodservice ecosystem. If your work touches food, beverage, hospitality operations, or the supply chain behind them, there is programming and exhibit space designed for you.

Attendee segments include:

• Commercial Chains — QSR, fast casual, family dining chains, and novelty shops evaluating new products, technology, and supplier partnerships at scale.
• Commercial Independents — Local dining establishments, restaurant groups, independent bars, coffee shops, ghost kitchens, and pizzerias seeking competitive advantages and margin improvement.
• Non-Commercial Foodservice — Schools, hospitals, military bases, senior living facilities, correctional institutions, airlines, and concession operators managing high-volume programs with tight budgets.
• Retail — Convenience stores, grocery chains, and specialty food retailers (both large national brands and small independents) expanding their prepared food and foodservice offerings.
• Lodging — Boutique hotels, mega resorts, cruise lines, convention centers, and casinos operating F&B programs as a core revenue driver.
• Dealer/Distributor — Foodservice manufacturers, wholesalers, equipment dealers, and suppliers sourcing new product lines and building vendor relationships.

If you are a supplier or service provider that does not exhibit, note that Non-Exhibiting Supplier badges carry specific restrictions — you cannot solicit or sell on the show floor and must register separately.

Who Is Attending

The NRA Show draws decision-makers across every tier of the foodservice industry. In 2026, expect to connect with:

• 53,000+ registered attendees spanning operators, buyers, distributors, and allied professionals
• Representation from 100+ countries, with a dedicated International Reception on Saturday evening
• 600+ first-time exhibitors launching products to the North American market
• C-suite and senior leadership from major chain brands including Whataburger, Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises, Applebee's, and The Mina Group

Notable figures attending in 2026:

• Andre Agassi — Tennis champion and business partner with chef Michael Mina in The Mina Group, delivering the Sunday Keynote in a fireside chat with NRA President & CEO Michelle Korsmo
• Joe Pawlak — Managing Principal at Technomic, leading Monday's Featured Session on the power of limited-time offers
• Grant Achatz — Inducted into the MenuMasters Hall of Fame at Saturday's MenuMasters Awards gala
• Michelle Korsmo — NRA President & CEO, hosting the keynote conversation

The show also draws hundreds of young professionals entering the industry, with dedicated networking programming on Sunday afternoon designed to connect the next generation with established leaders.

Sponsors & Exhibitors

The 2026 NRA Show features 2,000+ exhibitors across 700,000 square feet, including 600+ first-time vendors bringing fresh products to market. Exhibitors span every category that touches foodservice operations:

• Kitchen equipment and smallwares
• Food and beverage products (including FABI Award winners)
• Technology and POS systems
• Packaging and disposables
• Tabletop and front-of-house
• Cleaning, sanitation, and safety
• Consulting and professional services

Key sponsors for 2026 include:

• FinTitan — Presenting sponsor of the Sunday Keynote and co-presenter of Monday's AI Essentials for Operators Workshop
• Shift4 — Title sponsor of the Monday night Show After Party at House of Blues Chicago
• NCCO — Co-presenter of the AI Essentials for Operators Workshop

Browse the full exhibitor directory on the official exhibitor page.

Planning your exhibitor visits before arriving in Chicago saves hours on the show floor. With 2,000+ vendors spread across multiple halls, pre-show research is critical. You can find and prospect NRA Show exhibitors before the event to identify the companies most relevant to your buying priorities, build targeted meeting lists, and arrive with a plan instead of wandering the aisles.

For companies interested in exhibiting, contact the sales team at 312-853-2542 or RestaurantShowSales@informa.com. Note that FABI Award and Kitchen Innovation Award applications are closed for the 2026 cycle.

Speaker Lineup & Keynotes

Keynote '26 — Andre Agassi

Date: Sunday, May 17 at 1:00 PM (doors open 12:30 PM) Location: Grand Ballroom S100 Presented by: FinTitan

Andre Agassi — eight-time Grand Slam champion, philanthropist, and business partner with chef Michael Mina in The Mina Group — takes the stage for a fireside chat with NRA President & CEO Michelle Korsmo. The conversation explores the intersection of competitive excellence, business building, and the hospitality industry's next chapter.

Featured Session — The Power of Limited-Time Offers (Technomic)

Date: Monday, May 18 at 1:00 PM (doors open 12:30 PM) Location: Grand Ballroom S100

Joe Pawlak, Managing Principal at Technomic, leads a panel with senior executives from Whataburger, Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises, and Applebee's. The session unpacks how leading brands use LTOs as a strategic revenue lever — backed by data on what drives trial, repeat, and margin.

Featured Education Sessions

Access to these sessions requires the Expo + Education (E+E) upgrade unless otherwise noted:

• Menu Profit Playbook: 3 Field Examples to $60K+ Profit — Tactical session with real-world margin optimization case studies
• How to Turn Followers into Guests in the New Era of Social Media Marketing — Converting digital engagement into physical visits
• Thriving Through Challenges: A Discussion with Foodservice Leaders Driving Real Growth — Featuring leaders from The Granola Bar and Wahlburgers
• Risk, Reward & Revenue: Restaurant Catering Workshop (Sunday, additional registration) — Deep dive into catering as a growth channel
• AI Essentials for Operators Workshop (Monday, additional registration, presented by FinTitan & NCCO) — Practical applications of AI and automation with proven ROI

The Keynote and Featured Sessions in Grand Ballroom S100 are included with the standard Expo Badge at no additional cost.

Watch the official show preview: National Restaurant Association Show 2026

Full Agenda & Featured Events

View the complete schedule on the official Schedule at a Glance page.

Saturday, May 16

Sunday, May 17

Monday, May 18

Tuesday, May 19

Awards Programs

• FABI Awards — Food & Beverage Innovation Award recognizing breakthrough products
• Kitchen Innovation Awards — Honoring advances in kitchen equipment and technology
• MenuMasters Awards — Hosted by Nation's Restaurant News; Grant Achatz inducted into Hall of Fame at Saturday's gala

New for 2026: Match Point Market

Located in the North Hall, the Match Point Market is a brand-new feature combining pickleball courts (with opportunities to win paddles signed by Andre Agassi), the official Show Store, and a structured networking space. It is designed as a high-energy zone where attendees can decompress, compete, and connect between sessions.

Registration & Ticket Pricing

Register now on the official registration page.

Attendee Pricing (Restaurant/Foodservice, Retail, Lodging, Dealer/Distributor & Affiliated Segments)

NRA member companies receive complimentary Expo Only badge(s) as a membership benefit. Check your membership email from admin@email.nationalrestaurantshow.com for your promo code.

Non-Exhibiting Supplier Pricing

Non-Exhibiting Suppliers cannot solicit or sell on the show floor and must register under this separate category.

What Each Badge Includes

Expo Badge includes:

• Full Exhibit Hall access across all show days
• Show Floor Theaters with live culinary and beverage demonstrations
• Keynote '26 (Andre Agassi) and Featured Sessions in Grand Ballroom S100
• Access to the Show To Go app with AI assistant "Lina"
• Match Point Market in North Hall

Expo + Education (E+E) Upgrade adds:

• 30+ operator-led education sessions
• Exclusive peer and expert networking events
• On-demand session recordings and presentation materials post-show

Events Requiring Separate Registration

• Show Floor Tours (Saturday and Sunday)
• Restaurant Catering Workshop (Sunday)
• AI Essentials for Operators Workshop (Monday)
• Dinner Experiences (Sunday evening)
• Show After Party at House of Blues (Monday night)

View full registration options at nationalrestaurantshow.com/registration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the National Restaurant Association Show 2026 held?

The NRA Show 2026 takes place at McCormick Place, 2301 S Martin Luther King Dr, Chicago, IL 60616. McCormick Place is North America's largest convention center, situated on Chicago's lakefront approximately 15 minutes from downtown by car or public transit.

What are the show floor hours?

• Saturday May 16 – Monday May 18: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
• Tuesday May 19: 9:30 AM – 3:00 PM (half day)

On-floor programming, culinary demos, and beverage demonstrations begin at 10:00–10:30 AM each day.

How do I get to McCormick Place from my hotel?

The show provides a complimentary shuttle bus service between official hotels and McCormick Place. Remote badge pickup is available at four Chicago hotels so you can skip registration lines entirely on Day 1: Chicago Marriott Mag Mile, Chicago Sheraton Grand, Hilton Chicago, and Hyatt Regency Chicago.

Are there any airport discounts for attendees?

Yes. Attendees receive 10% off at participating concessions at O'Hare and Midway airports by flashing their Show badge. The discount is valid May 12–21, 2026, covering both arrival and departure days for most attendees.

What is the Show To Go app?

The Show To Go app is the official mobile companion for the NRA Show. The 2026 edition features an AI assistant named "Lina" that helps attendees build personalized schedules, find exhibitors by category, and get real-time event updates. Download it before arriving in Chicago.

Is the keynote included with a basic Expo Badge?

Yes. The Sunday Keynote '26 with Andre Agassi and Monday's Featured Session with Technomic are both included with the standard Expo Badge at no additional cost. No E+E upgrade is required for these marquee sessions.

What is the difference between the Expo Badge and the E+E upgrade?

The Expo Badge ($199 regular) gives you full access to the show floor, live demos in Show Floor Theaters, and the Keynote and Featured Sessions. The Expo + Education (E+E) Add-On (+$250) unlocks 30+ operator-led education sessions, exclusive networking, and post-show on-demand recordings and presentation materials.

Who is the official housing provider?

onPeak is the official housing provider for the 2026 NRA Show. Book through them for negotiated hotel rates, flexible cancellation policies, a "book now, pay later" option, and shuttle service coordination to McCormick Place.

Can non-exhibiting suppliers attend the show?

Yes, but under a separate higher-cost category. Non-Exhibiting Supplier badges cost $1,000 (Expo only) or $1,450 (with E+E). These attendees cannot solicit, sell, or distribute marketing materials outside a contracted exhibit space.

How can I exhibit at the show?

Contact the NRA Show sales team at 312-853-2542 or email RestaurantShowSales@informa.com to discuss booth options and availability. Note that FABI Award and Kitchen Innovation Award applications are already closed for the 2026 cycle.

What networking events are available at the 2026 show?

• Show Floor Tours — Saturday and Sunday (additional registration)
• International Reception — Saturday 5–6 PM, Room S406 (open to all international registrants, no additional cost)
• Young Professionals Networking — Sunday 4–4:30 PM, Discovery Theater South Hall
• Restaurant Show Dinner Experiences — Sunday 7–10 PM (additional registration)
• Show After Party at House of Blues — Monday 8–11 PM, title sponsor Shift4 (additional registration)
• Match Point Market — North Hall throughout the show (pickleball, networking, Show Store — open access)